Council seeks candidates for audit and governance roles

Cheshire East Council is looking to recruit two residents to sit on a committee that supports good governance and financial standards at the local authority.

Candidates should ideally have practical experience in areas such as financial management, accountancy and governance. The successful candidates will sit on the council’s audit and governance committee as co-opted independent members.

The committee provides an independent and high-level focus on the council’s audit, assurance and reporting arrangements that support good governance, risk management and financial standards. 

The committee also develops, maintains and monitors the codes of conduct for councillors and co-opted members.

Councillor Margaret Simon, chair of the audit and governance committee, said. “We want the co-opted members to bring additional knowledge and expertise to this important committee, reinforcing its political neutrality and independence. Previous experience of working with audit committees may be helpful but is not essential. 

“Providing constructive challenge, as part of the committee, supports the council’s ambition for open and transparent government.

“We seek to reflect and represent all of the borough’s residents and we welcome applications from all parts of Cheshire East’s community.

“While the co-opted independent members are not employees or members of the council, the successful applicants will receive specific training to enable them to undertake their new role effectively. If you think you could make a positive contribution to the work of the committee, please apply.”

The committee will meet approximately six times in a financial year and candidates will be expected to serve for four years.  The independent members are entitled to be reimbursed for expenses but do not receive any allowance or pay.

Applications are invited up to the deadline of Friday 18 June 2021. For more information about the role and how to apply, visit the council’s audit and governance webpage.